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Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe

If you love the bright zing of citrus combined with decadent sweetness, then this Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. I absolutely adore how this recipe balances the tartness of fresh lemons with the creamy richness of white chocolate — it’s like a little slice of sunshine in every bite. When I first tried this, I was surprised at how easy it was to pull off a dessert that feels so special and gourmet without needing complicated ingredients or steps. So, if you’re ready for a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent, stick around — you’re going to love it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright & Creamy Flavor: The lemon zest and white chocolate create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet that stands out from traditional brownies.
  • Simple Technique: You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail these brownies—the steps are straightforward and foolproof.
  • Perfect Texture: Soft and fudgy with a subtle bite from the lemon, these brownies never disappoint.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or something special to impress guests, these brownies fit the bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making your Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe shine. I always grab good-quality white chocolate like Lindt or Ghirardelli because it melts beautifully and tastes richer, and the fresh lemons are essential for that bright zest you want to burst through each bite.

Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe - Ingredients
  • White chocolate bars: Using real chocolate bars instead of chips gives a smoother melt and better flavor—chop them finely for even melting.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps balance the lemon’s tartness; cutting into small cubes ensures it melts faster.
  • Eggs and egg yolks: These provide the perfect fudgy texture and richness, making the brownies dense but tender.
  • Granulated white sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the crust; measure carefully for the best texture.
  • Lemon zest: Use fresh lemon zest—about 3-4 lemons worth—to infuse that unmistakable citrus flavor throughout.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a touch rounds out the lemon and chocolate notes perfectly.
  • All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measuring—too much flour can dry out brownies.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes the lemon glaze silky smooth and just sweet enough.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Adds tang and thins the glaze to pourable perfection.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand, and I encourage you to make it your own.

  • Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve substituted the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and the texture remains just as lovely—just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
  • Extra Zesty: If you love bold citrus, adding a bit more lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract really amps up the flavor without overpowering.
  • Fresh Berries: Sometimes I fold in a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries for a fruity pop that beautifully complements the lemon and chocolate.
  • Less Sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly in both the batter and glaze, but keep an eye on the texture and balance.

How to Make Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). I like to lightly grease a 9×9 inch metal baking pan and then line it with parchment paper. This combo helps ensure your brownies release easily after baking without sticking, which is a little trick I discovered after some sticky attempts.

Step 2: Melt Butter and White Chocolate

Set up a double boiler over medium-low heat and gently melt the butter and chopped white chocolate together. Stir it continuously so the chocolate melts without scorching. Removing it from heat as soon as everything is smooth is key—trust me, overheated white chocolate can become grainy, which isn’t what you want here.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs, Sugar, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, and vanilla extract until pale and smooth. I usually use an electric mixer on high speed here—it’s faster and really helps build that light texture which is subtle but important in this recipe.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted white chocolate and butter mixture into the bowl with your whisked eggs and sugar. Whisk it together until everything’s smooth and beautifully combined—you’ll see the batter turn glossy, which always makes me smile.

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Salt

Use a rubber spatula to fold the flour and salt into your wet ingredients gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix here—you want just enough to bring it all together, which keeps the brownies tender instead of tough.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a mini offset spatula. Bake for about 32-36 minutes. If you notice the brownies getting too dark before they’re done, lightly cover the pan with parchment paper—a trick I learned to keep edges from over-baking while the center finishes up perfectly. Let them cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack once out of the oven.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the brownies cool, whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and extra lemon zest together in a medium bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—add more lemon juice if needed to reach the right consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once your brownies are fully cooled, loosen the edges gently with a butter knife and lift them out using the parchment paper. Spread the lemon glaze evenly on top using that trusty offset spatula again. Sprinkle a little extra lemon zest over the glaze and let it set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into 16 squares. Enjoy every bright, creamy bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe

  • Fresh Zest Matters: Always zest your lemons just before mixing to keep the flavor as vibrant as possible.
  • Double Boiler Melting: Melting white chocolate and butter together slowly prevents burning and keeps the texture silky.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Fold in the flour ingredients gently to keep brownies tender and moist, not tough.
  • Watch Baking Time Closely: Brownies can go from perfect to dry fast; check at 32 minutes and cover with parchment if edges brown too soon.

How to Serve Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

For garnish, I love a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top of the glaze—it brightens everything up visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes, I add a few thin lemon slices or edible flowers for a pretty touch, especially if I’m serving these brownies at a brunch or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a light dessert wine, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a simple dollop of whipped cream. For a more casual snack, I often enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these brownies stacked on a pretty cake stand with a few fresh lemons and sprigs of mint around as decoration. You can also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters or package them individually in clear boxes tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon for lovely gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. I’ve found the lemon glaze sets into a lovely, slightly chewy topping that’s just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

If I need to freeze them, I cut the brownies into squares first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the white chocolate and glaze, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of bars in the Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe?

    You can use white chocolate chips, but I recommend chopping them slightly or melting them gently since chips often contain stabilizers that may prevent smooth melting compared to bars. Chopped bars tend to melt more evenly, giving you a better texture.

  2. How do I know when the lemon brownies are perfectly baked?

    The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the center will still feel a little soft and gooey to the touch. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely dry. This ensures fudgy, tender brownies.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

    For dairy-free, try substituting white chocolate with a vegan white chocolate alternative and use plant-based butter. For vegan, you’ll also need to replace eggs—flax eggs or commercial egg replacers can work, but the texture will be less fudgy than this classic version.

  4. Why is my lemon glaze too runny or too thick?

    If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up. If too thick, sprinkle in more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to hold some shape but still spread smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something that feels both comforting and a little fancy. It’s bright, rich, and just a little unexpected in the best way. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, I guarantee you’ll be proud of how these turn out—and maybe even surprise yourself with how easy they are. Give them a try and let me know if they don’t quickly become a favorite in your recipe box!

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Lemon White Chocolate Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 138 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Lemon Brownies combine the rich sweetness of white chocolate with a bright and zesty lemon flavor, creating a unique twist on traditional brownies. Soft, moist, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they make a perfect dessert for spring or summer gatherings.


Ingredients

For the Lemon Brownies:

  • 8 oz (226 g) white chocolate bars, chopped (Lindt, Ghirardelli or similar)
  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, chopped into small cubes
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated white sugar
  • 3 tbsp (15 g) lemon zest (from 3-4 lemons)
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 3/4 tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups (195 g) powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, plus more for topping the brownies


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper, then set it aside.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt together the chopped white chocolate and cubed unsalted butter, stirring continuously to ensure even heating. Remove from heat once fully melted and smooth.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until pale and smooth. Using an electric mixer on high speed can make this easier.
  4. Combine Wet Mixtures: Pour the melted white chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until well combined and smooth.
  5. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Prepare Batter for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a mini offset spatula to smooth the top evenly.
  7. Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 32-36 minutes. If the brownies start to brown too much near the end, loosely cover the pan with parchment paper. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. Remove Brownies from Pan: Once cooled, use a butter knife to loosen the edges of the brownies from the pan and gently lift them out using the parchment paper.
  9. Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest until smooth.
  10. Apply Glaze and Serve: Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled brownies, smoothing with a mini offset spatula. Let the glaze set, then sprinkle with extra lemon zest. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use high-quality white chocolate such as Lindt or Ghirardelli for the best flavor and smooth texture.
  • Zesting the lemons before juicing is easiest to preserve both zest and juice for the glaze.
  • For measuring flour accurately, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
  • If brownies brown too quickly on top, covering loosely with foil or parchment paper toward the end of baking helps prevent over-browning.
  • Let brownies cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly and doesn’t melt into the brownies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16th of recipe)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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